I would like to know what the requirements for Single Family 4 or 5 are.

I've reviewed the section you refer too, and it is slightly confusing.

The matter I am interested in is a structure which is built on a corner lot directly against the property fence line. I have calculated that it is higher than eight feet, which seems to be the height restriction outlined in the ordinance. I would be happy to provide you with the location details in a private email, if this would be helpful.

Regards, James Nunn

Douglas C. Mousel

Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 09:30 am:

The maximum height in the Single-Family-4 and Single-Family-5 districts is two stories no greater than 40 feet. The City's Zoning Ordinance allows one to construct an accessory building in the Single-Family-4 and Single-Family-5 zoning districts under the following conditions:

Front Yard - An accessory building may not be any closer to the street than the front of the main structure (the minimum front yard in the SF-4 and SF-5 districts is 25 feet)

Side Yard - If an accessory building is closer than 10 feet to the main structure, the accessory building must be placed a minimum of 7 feet from the side property lines. If an accessory building is greater than 10 feet from the main structure, the distance between the side property line and the accessory building may be reduced to 3 feet.

Rear Yard - If the accessory building is closer than 10 feet to the main structure, the accessory building must be placed a minimum of 20 feet from the rear property line. If the accessory building is greater than 10 feet from the main structure and the property is alley served, the distance between the rear property line and the accessory building may be reduced to 3 feet. If the height of the accessory building is limited to 8 feet, the accessory building may be placed on the rear property line provided the accessory building is screened from the alley by a fence of the same height. In all cases, the face of a garage must be a minumum of 20 feet from the rear property line. If the property is not served by an alley, the accessory building must be a minimum of 10 feet from the rear property line.

The size of the accessory building will dictate the exterior construction materials of the accessory building. Accessory buildings of 120 square feet or less may be metal or wood. An accessory building greater than 120 square feet must comply with the exterior construction requirements of the main structure.

Because the Zoning Ordinance defines a building as "a structure intended for shelter, occupancy, housing, or enclosure", the accessory building requirements do not apply to swing sets.

Please be advised that a building permit must be obtained from the Building Inspections Department to construct an accessory building. Their phone number is (972) 335-5580. Should you have any concerns regarding the placement of an existing structure, please forward the concern and the address to me. I will then forward the information to our Code Enforcement staff. Thank you.